Rockville and Montgomery County fireworks displays 2022 - Where to watch fireworks

Who needs the hassle of riding Metro downtown, or getting caught up in the Independence Day traffic, when there are many other fireworks shows right here in Montgomery County - most private - that can be viewed from nearby parking lots. Just remember not to trespass on private property. If you are within two blocks of a professional fireworks launch site, consider wearing hearing protection to avoid developing tinnitus or hearing loss, especially for children.

Let's take a look at what the fine country clubs and other organizations have in store for us this July 4th holiday of 2022:

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Columbia Country Club - June 28/9:10 PM

Congressional Country Club - July 3/9:15 PM

Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:00 PM

Gaithersburg (PUBLIC)

Bohrer Park - July 2/9:20 PM

Germantown (PUBLIC)

South Germantown Recreational Park - July 4/9:15 PM

(18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown/Concert 7:00 PM/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Laytonsville

Montgomery Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM

Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4

(Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00/No alcohol/No pets/Coolers will be inspected)

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Norbeck Country Club - June 30/9:20 PM

Mattie JT Stepanek Park - July 4/9:15 PM (PUBLIC)

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Wheaton (PUBLIC)

Albert Einstein High School - July 2/9:15 PM

(Event begins with concert at 6:00 PM/Disabled parking only on-site/Park at Westfield Wheaton Mall beginning at 5:30 PM and take free shuttle to Einstein HS/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Photo courtesy Warner Brothers

UPDATED: Donald Trump-endorsed Maryland governor hopeful Dan Cox to hold car rally in Bethesda

UPDATE - June 25, 2022, 10:11 PM: A representative of the Cox campaign said she has been in touch with the event organizers, and that they have not mentioned any change in plans for Sunday's rally as of this hour.

UPDATE - June 25, 2022, 8:38 AM: A public relations firm representing Westfield Montgomery Mall issued the following statement regarding Sunday's rally: "We were just made aware of this event—permission to use the property was never requested or granted. We have contacted the organization hosting the rally to let them know they need to find an alternate location." Stay tuned for further updates.

Concerned Americans Seeking Truth will host a car rally for Maryland Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM. "Bring your cars, vans, SUVs, trucks and parade with us to support Dan Cox for governor of the great state of Maryland," the event announcement reads. Cox, a Maryland state delegate from Frederick County, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. He faces Gov. Larry Hogan-endorsed Kelly Schulz, attorney and former state delegate Robin Ficker, and attorney Joe Werner in the July 19 GOP primary.

Bethesda Juneteenth event to be meaningful celebration with march to save a Montgomery County Black cemetery

Macedonia Baptist Church at 5119 River Road in Bethesda will host a Juneteenth celebration this Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 PM. The event will be about a current civil rights struggle as much as a remembrance of past history, as the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition will lead a march from the church to the nearby site of the Moses African Cemetery. Desecrated by construction workers building the Westwood Tower apartments in the late 1960s, the majority of the gravesites remain hidden under paved parking spaces at the apartment tower, and on a second site across the Willett Branch stream next to the self-storage construction site behind McDonald's. The church and coalition have been battling Montgomery County officials and developers to restore and memorialize the burial ground, prevent any further construction on it, and potentially transfer stewardship of the land to the church.

A banner will be raised on the Capital Crescent Trail bridge over River Road during the ceremony, and a traditional African libation ritual will be presented by Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Speakers at the event will include former resident of the lost black community on River Road Harvey Matthews, historian C.R. Gibbs, County Council At-Large candidate Brandy Brooks, Circuit Court Judge candidate Marylin Pierre, and activist Robert Stubblefield. 

Musical and dance performers will include Luci Murphy, Karen Wilson Ama Ethefu, Freedome Nsaroma Lee-El, Martha Peterson, and EverGreen Productions. Representatives from the Poor People's Campaign, UNIA, Party for Socialism and Liberation, The Claudia Jones Organization, and the Green Party will also be in attendance.

It will be a celebration, and also a tremendous educational opportunity to learn more about not only the past, but the direct legacy of that past in our own community of Bethesda and Montgomery County. Impacts of the loss of the River Road community in the 1960s included former residents moving and making major contributions to historic and growing African-American communities in East Rockville, Silver Spring and beyond, while still representing that living legacy of the Loughborough plantation in Bethesda. That makes this event of interest to residents of the entire Washington, D.C. region seeking meaningful ways to celebrate Juneteenth this year.

Jurassic World Dominion double-feature event at AMC Montgomery Mall theater in Bethesda

AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is hosting the ultimate opening weekend event for Jurassic Park fans this Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Enjoy a double feature of the original 1993 classic that started it all, Jurassic Park, followed by the new Jurassic World Dominion. Tickets are on-sale now.

But, wait - there's more! AMC also has an online store with some exclusive Jurassic World Dominion collectibles you can't buy anywhere else.

Image courtesy Universal Pictures

Hello Betty boat bar opens for summer in Rockville

The boat bar has opened for summer at Hello Betty, the new seafood restaurant at Pike & Rose. It is located inside the Canopy by Hilton hotel at 940 Rose Avenue. But you can take a short cut right to the bar through the blue and yellow door on the Grand Park Avenue side of the hotel. A christening ceremony will be held for the boat bar - and, yes, it is a real boat - on May 26, 2022 at 7:00 PM, and will include a complimentary champagne toast.

Photos by Alison Tremblay

Rockville's Soulfull Cafe to celebrate grand reopening Saturday, May 14

The Soulfull Cafe at 50 Monroe Place in Rockville will be hosting a grand reopening event on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. All in the community are invited to the event, which is being held in partnership with Main Street Connect. From its beginning, Soulfull Cafe has been committed to providing employee opportunities for people of all abilities.

At the reopening party, see the art of Rachel Perlman on display, and enjoy music from DJ Aaron. Tour the Main Street development that houses the cafe. And stay around at 1:00 PM for a free Main Street Zumba class. Parking is available in the garage at 51 Monroe Place, or along the street. To attend, register online here.

Rockville councilmember proposes moving Rocktobierfest back to Rockville Town Square

Rockville City Councilmember Monique Ashton last night proposed moving the annual Rocktobierfest event back to Rockville Town Square. It is currently scheduled to take place at RedGate Park at 14500 Avery Road on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Ashton suggested the change would provide a boost for businesses at the struggling Town Square development. 

Councilmember Dr. David Myles said he agreed with the proposed change. A physician, Myles argued the move would be best for public safety, public health and convenience. Councilmember Beryl Feinberg was more skeptical, saying it was her observation that many people drove when the event was held at Rockville Town Square in the past rather than take Metro.

Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and Councilmember Mark Pierzchala raised concerns that Town Square business owners have expressed in the past about events there. Street closures for the events hurt, rather than help, businesses along those routes, some business owners have said. Gibbs Street is already entirely closed to traffic as it is, Pierzchala noted.

Officials sought input from Tim Chesnutt, Director of Recreation and Parks, but he was no longer participating in the meeting. City Manager Robert DiSpirito said he recalled Chesnutt suggesting the city wait to see how Hometown Holidays turns out at RedGate Park later this month before making a change for Rocktobierfest.

Ashton made a motion to ask city staff to engage Rockville Town Square businesses on the question of moving the event there. Newton proposed a friendly amendment to add the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce to the outreach effort. Ashton accepted that amendment, and a proposal to get feedback from residents, as well. The motion passed unanimously.

Photo courtesy City of Rockville

Rockville cannabis dispensary hosting all-day 4/20 event

Ethos Dispensary at 4007-A Norbeck Road in Rockville is hosting an all-day event celebrating the unofficial marijuana holiday of April 20, 2022, with special 4/20 sale offers, including 20%-off the entire store. The Maui Wowie Smoothie Cart is on-site, along with a Jefferson University pop-up. There will also be a prize wheel, raffles and free swag. Garcia Brothers Mobile Detailing is there, as well, and they are giving away a $50 gift certificate for their detailing services. Ethos is open until 8:00 PM.

Photo courtesy Ethos

Jolly Shows carnival returns to Montgomery Mall through April 3, 2022

Jolly Shows is bringing its carnival back to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda today through April 3, 2022. Workers were setting up the carnival ground in the parking lot last evening. Weather may be an issue during this stint at the mall - while there is little rain in the forecast over the next week, unseasonably-low temperatures are expected Sunday through Tuesday.

Carnival hours will be 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Fridays, 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM Saturdays, 3:00 PM "to close" Sundays, and 5:00 PM "to close" on weekdays. Tickets for the carnival can be purchased online at the Jolly Shows website.

Carnival this weekend at Montgomery Mall

Football isn't the only thing returning this fall. It's also fall carnival season. Jolly Shows' popular traveling carnival is at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this weekend through Sunday night. 

The family-owned carnival will be here through September 12, 2021, and features rides, midway games and, of course, all of your favorite fair foods. It opens at 5:00 PM tonight, 1:00 PM on Saturday, and 3:00 PM on Sunday. You can order tickets in advance on the Jolly Shows website, or at the carnival.

"Must be this tall to ride" list

Rockville Taco Bamba participating in local chain's Bar Crawl promotion

Taco Bamba is launching a Bar Crawl promotion at all of its locations in the region today, September 2, 2021, including the Rockville restaurant at Congressional Plaza. Each location, beginning with Fairfax today, will feature a special cocktail for $11. It will come in a collectible glass that is yours to keep.

When the collectible glasses run out at each location, its particular drink will no longer be available. Rockville's special cocktail and glass will be available at the end of the month, September 30. Here is the full Taco Bamba Bar Crawl schedule, if you want to collect all 5 glasses this month:

• September 2: Fairfax
• Stay Classy: served frozen with mezcal, rum, pineapple, lime, simple syrup, and campari floater
• September 9: Vienna
• Prince Hairy: Reposado tequila, white peach, ginger citrus agave, and Fino sherry
• September 16: Ballston
• This Kind Of Monkey: Tequila, banana syrup, ancho reyes, lime, and chocolate salt rim
• September 23: Springfield
• Rum The Jewels:  rum, ancho verde, smoked pineapple, lime agave, muddle cilantro and jalapeño
• September 30: Rockville
• Space Drank: Beefeater gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, butterfly pea ice sphere

Photo by Leading DC

Rockville brewery hosting ribbon-cutting for city's new Rock East District September 11

Rockville's True Respite Brewing Company is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on September 11, 2021 to celebrate the launch of the city's newly-designated Rock East District. The brewery business is located in the East Gude Drive corridor between MD 355 and Norbeck Road, which is receiving the new branding and promotion push. Marketing efforts include a new website.

The event will be a Maker's Market running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the ribbon-cutting taking place at 11:00 AM. True Respite will introduce a Rock East District-themed collaboration with fellow Rock East District businesses Saints Row Brewing and Mayorga Coffee. Food will be provided by Giacomo's Brick Oven Pizza. More vendors will be announced between now and the event.

A portion of the proceeds from beer sales at the event will be donated to the Tree House Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, which promotes healing for child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. True Respite is located at 7301 Calhoun Place.

Rockville Mayor & Council to consider changes to remainder of 2021 event schedule

While the Biden administration earlier this year targeted July 4 as a symbolic ending to the pandemic, new virus variants, debates about the necessity for booster shots, and a failure to reach vaccination targets have made it hard to make such a declaration. In this context, the City of Rockville is now re-examining events that had been anticipated to take place over the remainder of 2021. "The pandemic is better, but not quite over," a staff report prepared for the Mayor and Council meeting for July 19 summarizes. 

Staff recommendations include postponing a planned Post-Covid 19 Pandemic Celebration until next year, as well as the State of the City address and the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. The report notes that, in addition to health concerns, staff shortages at security firms have massively increased costs for hiring event security this year.

Other recommended changes are to move the Rocktobierfest from Rockville Town Square to RedGate Park, and to proceed with the 9//11 ceremony, the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show, and Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park as scheduled, as all of these events are outdoors.

The Mayor and Council will review the recommendations at Monday's meeting, and instruct staff to implement any schedule changes.

Photo courtesy City of Rockville

Rockville police chief to address Asian community safety Thursday night

Rockville Police Chief Victor Brito will address the safety of the city's large Asian-American community in a virtual forum this Thursday night, July 15, 2021 at 7:00 PM. You can register online in advance to participate in the meeting, which will also include representatives of the Asian and Pacific Islander community. The forum is being organized by the City of Rockville's Asian Pacific American Task Force.

Rockville fireworks 2021

Montgomery County has canceled its government-funded public fireworks displays this year, making it an outlier among our neighbors Frederick and Howard counties, who are proceeding with theirs. The City of Rockville has also canceled its display, and City of Gaithersburg officials have postponed theirs. What is a traditionalist to do? If you are near any of these mostly-private fireworks displays, you may be able to enjoy a free show anyway (just don't trespass on private property). 

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Chevy Chase Club - July 3, 2021/9:30 PM

Columbia Country Club - June 29/9:10 PM

Congressional Country Club - July 4/9:15 PM

Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:15 PM

Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4/Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:30 PM

Norbeck Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM

Woodmont Country Club - June 26/9:30 PM

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 2/9:30 PM

Rockville Swim Center loosening pandemic restrictions

Pandemic restrictions continue to loosen in Rockville and across the country. Among these are several changes in protocols at the Rockville Swim Center, located at 355 Martins Lane. 

Effective now, no face coverings are required in outdoor areas at the center, except for when checking in for an outdoor reservation. Masks are still required indoors, including in the gym, except while in the water.

Beginning this Saturday, May 29, 2021, reservations will no longer be needed for the outdoor Fitness and Recreation Pools, indoor North Pool, or Fitness Room. Users may return to sharing a lap lane with others in these areas, without limitations on the number of swimmers per lane. 

Use of the center will also no longer be restricted to City of Rockville residents and facility members, also effective May 29. The whirlpool and sauna remain closed for the time being.

Rockville time capsule opened (Photos)

The City of Rockville opened a time capsule buried at the Rockville Senior Center in 1995 at a sometimes-emotional ceremony yesterday. Items included a copy of the venerable Rockville Reports city newsletter, a City recreation guide, a 1994 lottery ticket and photographs.

Opening of the capsule was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. One online attendee of the virtual opening ceremony became emotional as she noted that, were it not for the pandemic, her deceased relative would have alive for the ceremony's original date last year. City Councilmember Mark Pierzchala represented the Council for the ceremony.

Councilmember Mark Pierzchala

Rockville Senior Center time capsule to be exhumed this month

A time capsule buried 26 years ago at the Rockville Senior Center will be unearthed and opened on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The odd-number anniversary wasn't the original plan in 1995; the pandemic forced the unearthing to be delayed for a year. In another nod to the "new abnormal," the time capsule exhumation will be streamed live on the internet. Register for the free Zoom viewing online. 

What objects were donated to be buried in the time capsule? Tune in to find out, and return to the year when Die Hard with a Vengeance and Batman Forever played in theaters, and Radiohead's The Bends and The Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness were being snapped up at Tower Records on Rockville Pike!

Nature by Trejok coming to Rockville Town Square

Nature by Trejok is coming to Rockville Town Square. The tableware and accessories retailer specializes in combining past and contemporary designs into contrasting balance for tea and coffee, kitchen and home decor use. Nature by Trejok takes over the space at 130-B Gibbs Street previously occupied by IT'SUGAR. Their grand opening is scheduled for this Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Elite Jewelers, See's Candies open at Montgomery Mall

See's Candies and Elite Jewelers have opened just in time for Black Friday and holiday shopping at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Yes - the mall will be open on Black Friday, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Elite Jewelers will be hosting a Grand Opening with special guest Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier this Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 2:00 PM. You can pose for a photo with her, and get her autograph, as well as have a chance to win part of a total giveaway of more than 10 carats of diamond jewelry, tour the store and spin the prize wheel. Reserve your autographed photo on their website.

See's is on Level 1 next to Forever 21, and Elite Jewelers can be found next to Pandora on Level 2.